Music of the month: Pedro the Lion

My suggested music this month is “Pedro and the Lion”, they are a wonderful narrative folk band who’ve done a lot of shows at various college campuses and in central Florida. If you like music with a message you’ll love these guys. They actually turn whole albums into just one message, sometimes with several stories but still a single message. Its Johnny Cash meets indy, and its a good meeting.

An album to begin with would be either their album Control or their album Friends are hard to come by. I have three of their albums in my nano right now. I think the reason i like them so much is that they are Christian artist but not a Christian band. For those of you who know the difference you’ll know what you’re finding in these guys, check’em out!!!

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I listened to Pedro a lot up until I saw him in Concert in Milwaukee 2 years ago where, without hesitation, he dropped the f-bomb in between songs during his famous Q & A time. A new book just came out, which is mentioned on Driscoll’s blog about Christian rock which has a section on Pedro. Also there is a blog (http://www.fluxblog.org/2006/05/fluxblog-interview-with-andrew-beaujon.html) that did an interview with the author of that book that mentioned the first time he saw David Bazan (Pedro) at Cornerstone Festival (marketed as a Christian music fest), he was “drunk as a skunk.” He uses his concerts as a means to some extent push his agendas, which have nothing to do with the gospel (not that every Christian artist has to use the stage as a means to preach). I’d be very curious to read of what he actually believes today in terms of the Christian faith. I have a feeling its much different than what I do…albeit imperfect as I am.
Also, he just came out with a new solo project having abandoned Pedro the Lion for recording and touring purposes. Check out some sample tracks here: http://www.purevolume.com/davidbazan
-Rick

Rick I wasn’t aware of his ‘drunk as a skunk’ appearance at conerstone but he’s not the first Christian to use foul language or get drunk…I’m thinking of your pastor here brother. Watson keeps it much cleaner than Pedro though and his drunk spots usually only happen at bachelor parties or special nights with his misses.

I don’t want to push off what your saying my friend, I just enjoy the difference I find in the guy. His ability to shape narrative through whole albums and his artistic capture of feelings and trails we each experience. Maybe that is grace, probably. I’ll check his new solo stuff out…I hope that doesn’t mean Pedro is finished.

I encourage you to keep listening to him Rick because we all listen to and love a lot less active Christians than Pedro – my own personal experience with major performers at Acquire the Fire for a whole year has taught me most of the bands out there aren’t ‘conservative clean Christians’. Take ’em with a grain of salt brother or a teaspoon.

If you have time ask Hobes about ’em, Steve and the boys follow them pretty closely…or at least they did while I was in Fl? Thanks for commenting dude, please drop some thoughts elsewhere if you desire.

I listened to the tracks on pure volume today and they were good. I can definetly appreciate his music, just not some of the things he does while professing Christ. I would have the same problem with anyone who abused God’s grace in a similiar manner.
-Rick

I hear you Rick, abuses God’s grace is never something to respect. He would have us challenge them to repent and see the goodness of the benefits they have in Christ.

Two of the books that have been most influential in leading me toward being a tool of redemption in struggling Christians lives have been “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” by Paul Tripp and “Speaking Truth in Love” by David Powlison.

Rick I added you to my blogs I read list dude. I’ve enjoyed your posts so far brother. I hope you and Tiff are having a good summer man. When Jess and I are back in town we’ed love to get some dinner with you guys.

I had a counseling class last year and we referenced some of their works; definetly sound authors in their arena.
Dinner would be sweet…I’ve not officially met your wife, just seen in passing at church. Thanks for the add. I took notes on a great message by Ed Stetzer from the Reform and Resurge conference in Seattle, that will probably end up being the basis for the next post.
Happy 4th!